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Braves' Heyward to wear mask in game vs Cubs

CHICAGO (AP) — The Atlanta Braves activated outfielder Jason Heyward from the disabled list, and he'll wear a special face mask to protect his jaw when he bats leadoff Friday afternoon against the Chicago Cubs.

Heyward had been sidelined for a month after his right jaw was broken by a pitch from New York Mets left-hander Jon Niese on Aug. 21.

Heyward will wear the mask on the right side of his batting helmet. He'll also play in center field on Friday. The plan calls for him to play five innings or get three at-bats, whichever comes first.

Heyward says he's "not going to be as good today as I will be in five days. But you have to start the process sometime."